As usual, this past week I loaded up my recycling to take to the community recycling area in Paris Township. This is the hub of Paris, locate near the corner of Newton Falls Road and Route 225. This also is the site of Shearer Community Center and the Paris Fire Department. There are also some ball fields in the back. This is where community members gather for personal events, activities sponsored by the Fire Department and vote, as well as recycle. This time there was something more!
Parked in the corner was a specialized van, and an intriguing sign…’Bookmobile Open.’ Being an avid reader, my car turned itself into the parking lot, as if reading my mind.
I was greeted by two people, Librarian Courtney Caldwell and driver Bryan Cox. I was graciously invited into the cool interior. Being 95 degrees that day, I would have read anything for the air-conditioning!
Books! Rows and shelves of books. All genres, all ages. In this age of delivery, having a book mobile so close to my home is a fantastic discovery. As a resident of Paris, we usually have to drive 15 minutes in either direction to get to a town, so this service is greatly appreciated. As I was the only customer for the moment, Courtney and I had a chance to chat more about the bookmobile.
Paris is not the only community it serves, they have a regular weekly rotation.
Mondays are Charleston in the morning and Paris in the afternoon.
Tuesdays they visit the Suffield Fire Department from 10:00 to 11:30 and then to Waterloo High School from 12:30 to 2:00.
Wednesdays they head for Nelson Circle from 9:30am to 11:30am, then head to the Mantua Lodge from 12:30pm to 2:30pm.
Thursdays they are at Freedom Township Hall from 9:30 to 11:30 and they alternate the afternoon shift between Fenstermaker Amish School one week and the opposite week is Noah’s Ark Childcare.
Fridays they are at Nelson Ledges Estates.
They have books for youth and adults. Youth selections include both fiction and non-fiction picture books, young adult books, early readers, youth chapter books, graphic novels, and juvenile graphic novels. Adult selections also include both fiction and non-fiction, as well as westerns, science fiction (this reporter’s personal favorite!) large print paper-backs and mysteries.
They are funded through a levy that Portage County Libraries passed a few years ago, and they do get a modest amount of state funding, too. Though this is her only position, she began as a librarian at the Garrettsville Public Library. She has worked for the libraries for about 15 years. This bookmobile was started by trial and error, but is growing continuously. She is proud to be a part of it. It can even come to you, all you have to do is call 330-527-5082 ext. 221
A description of the bookmobile wouldn’t be complete without a description of the vessel itself! Bryan, the driver, is very proud of it. The inside is large enough to house the books, a desk for Courtney, a folding chair and table for your comfort, a front and rear door and a lift for those unable to take the stairs. It resembles a Class C RV in shape. It was made by Farber Specialty Vehicles out of Columbus.
Back to the inside, Courtney often has special activities at the Bookmobile. Earlier this year, the Bubble Lady was there with fun for all ages. Courtney also can do a story hour for your children. Upcoming is Musician Jeff with music and sing-alongs for your enjoyment. He will be at the Mantua stop on Wednesday,, August 6 at 1:00pm.
Bryan, the driver, had something extra to add. He says this because Courtney is ‘too modest’ to toot her own horn…she knows everyone’s name, and even their grandchildren. She makes this very inviting for everyone! Indeed, she does.
